SPHEREx Maps 'Interstellar Glaciers' of Galactic Ice

NASA's SPHEREx mission has mapped vast regions of interstellar ice, revealing what researchers are calling 'interstellar glaciers.' These ice reservoirs, spanning over 600 light-years in the Milky Way, are located within giant molecular clouds, the birthplaces of stars. The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, highlights SPHEREx's ability to map the chemical signatures of various types of interstellar ice, including water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which are essential for the development of life. These icy molecules are believed to form and reside on the surfaces of tiny dust grains, serving as the primary source of water in the universe.

The mission's findings suggest that these 'interstellar glaciers' could deliver a massive water supply to new solar systems, potentially supporting the emergence of life on nascent planets. SPHEREx's spectral capabilities allow it to measure the amounts of various ices and molecules, providing valuable insights into the composition and environment of molecular clouds. Unlike previous telescopes, SPHEREx is specifically designed to conduct a large-scale spectral survey of the entire sky, offering an unprecedented view of the distribution of icy molecules.

Managed by JPL, SPHEREx launched in March 2025 and has completed its first all-sky infrared map. The mission's data is helping scientists understand the origins of water and the conditions necessary for life to arise. The discovery of these vast ice regions underscores the importance of interstellar dust and molecular clouds in the formation of planets and the potential for life beyond Earth.

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